Is there a Solution to the Carryon Crisis?
 

With all the discussion on carryon are any of these potential solutions? Just my random thoughts and some not likely ever to happen for obvious reasons but something has to be done.

1. Make all carryon a chargeable item BUT if checked free.
2. Size every carryon item and if it doesn't fit either A. Checked for free B. Charge for bringing on plane.
3. Status quo

Any other suggestions

jimy, welcome to FlyerTalk. As your topic is not limited to travel within Canada, nor to any specific airline, please follow the discussion as the thread moves to the TravelBuzz forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Senior Moderator.

How ridiculous. Many things, including laptops and other expensive electronics and valuables are very unwise to check.

If you want Frontier airline rules for charging for every single thing, you’re welcome to it. I won’t fly them.

I travel with a roller suitcase within US dimensions if un-expanded and a small backpack that can fit under the seat, if need be. It always annoys me on Asian airlines as my suitcase is always over their weight limits - meaning I have to check it. What's annoying about this is that I then have to wait 40-50 minutes at the baggage carousels for all of the luggage that could have fit inside the empty carry on bins (I've seen purses, etc, come out of the carousel).

I much prefer handling my own luggage but will gate-check if there's truly no space - it's so much safer and time-efficient.

I flew Air Canada last week, and the gate agents kept announcing that they would have to check in all bags for free for folks in zones 4 and 5. I ignored them as I was busy on my computer, was one of the last in zone 5 to board, received no pushback for my carry on, and walked into a plane with several empty overhead bins. Seems inefficient for ground ops to crowd them with small bags that can fit in the bins.

This. When I travel what I bring on the plane is pretty much either stuff that shouldn't be checked, stuff that isn't even legal to check and stuff I might want on the plane.

Hand luggage is always going to be controversial. For me, valuables, medicines. one change of clothes and stuff you'll need on board in hand luggage is all that should be on board and the rest in the hold.

It makes for a easier airport experience when someone else is carrying it for you and as long as you can do a minimal level of time management and use any waiting time productively then it's just as efficient for the clock watchers.

Charging for even a small carry on bag is ridiculous. I fly internationally three times a year and carry on only. I am currently in Europe, just flew Ryanair (which I hate) and had no trouble. I always use either a Goruck GR1 21 Liter (18 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches), or else a Recycled Firefighter 24 Hour bag (18 x 12 x 6 inches), and always place it under the seat in front of me. I understand that your mode of carry is probably different from mine, but charging me and those one bag carry on folks like me is a silly idea.

You may consider bag charging as 'ridiculous' but to Ryanair it is a vital line of profit:
Ancillary revenue continues to perform strongly, as traffic builds, delivering over €22.50 per passenger

Same applies for many airlines:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/...te%20features.

I do consider it ridiculous and greedy

Same, as well as carry-on stuff that my family leaves with me for safekeeping like chargers, airside purchases, meds, etc.

I don't believe OP insinuated carrying on items should be abolished. That option can remain. I take the position as it's silly to charge for checked luggage but not anything else. Where checking a bag left at the counter has to subsidize the cheap people who stuff everything they own into countless backpacks, duffle bags, etc. Taking all of the overhead space, smacking you in the head, slowing the loading and unloading of the plane. Anyone is welcome to fly Southwest where everything is freeeee, but may not always be free.

What is the crisis?

The solution is easy. Stop charging for checked bags and people still stop trying to cram everything into their carry on bag.

I have flown many times with just a carryon. Why should I be forced to check it, if it is the correct size? With meds, DME and other difficult to replace items, it’s pretty critical to have my carryon bag. Southwest does a pretty good job, actually. Not my first choice, but decent for 1-2 hour flights.

Most airlines have a very long list of things not covered in checked bags. My then teenager, was forced to check her legal sized bag on an international trip, years ago. Her laptop was in the bag being force checked. Screen got broken. Airplane paid nothing.

Airlines should allow one free personal item like a backpack that fits under the seat. Those carry-on size roller bags should have a fee associated unless you are in a premium seat. One checked bag should be free. Boarding and getting off the plane takes twice as long with all of the carry-on items people bring.

When I fly with European carriers that charge for everything, it's amazing to see how much quicker the plane boards and how empty the overhead compartments are.